Hi, I am 22F from India currently working in financial consulting in Mumbai, and I wish to make a career in international development. I am looking to apply for admissions in Fall 2026 and was hoping to plan well in advance my target schools. For context, I graduated from a premier institute of the country with an econ major.

I primarily want recommendations on courses I should apply to. Any underrated courses that you have found exciting in your experience would be appreciated!

My key considerations would be:

1. Employable coursework: I would like diverse electives from other schools including business management, and schools that have strong economics bent;

2. A good return: I hail from a middle income family and would mostly be banking on financial aid, scholarships and student loan for my expenses.

3. I am open to schools in the States and in Europe.

Thanks in advance!

I am applying to developmental/ policy/ administration related masters. But every other opinion on the relevance of such courses is a bit discouraging.

I was under the impression that IHEID (Geneva Grad), SciPo, LSE, Hertie, NUS are among some good colleges for development and policy. But subReddits and comments on the same are totally opposite.

IDS Sussex and SOAS are another recommended colleges but the fees for a 1 year program for international students is toooo high! And looking at the economy in UK, job chances are scarce!

In India TISS and DU are some of the good ones but I e heard their placements and quality of teaching has also suffered in the last few years.

For someone who really wants to work for development and/or fair policies in India (I know both are two very different courses but in that general direction is what I mean), what are some good colleges/ fellowships/ entry level jobs?

Interested in y’all’s thoughts on the PBS series that came out recently on the state of USAID distribution of aid dollars.

Hi everyone! I recently graduated in May and have been looking for post-grad careers. I'm applying for the AIIB 2025 Graduate Program and was wondering if anyone who has gone through the application process has any advice for me. What worked for you if you were successful, what didn't work for you if you weren't, I would love to know! Or if you're currently in the program, I would be grateful if you could talk more about it with me. I'm super excited about this job as it sounds like an excellent fit with what I have been looking for so any advice/insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!

Hi everyone,

Are you currently working as an intern or junior consultant at one of the UN agencies in Rome? I know firsthand how exciting yet isolating this experience can sometimes be. Navigating a new city, a new job, and often a whole new way of life can feel overwhelming, especially when you're doing it alone.

I’d love to connect with others in similar roles to share experiences, support each other, and, of course, meet up in person! Whether it’s for a casual coffee chat, exploring the city, or even discussing professional growth and challenges, this could be a great way to build a community.

If this resonates with you, drop a comment or DM me. Depending on interest, I could set up a group or plan an informal meet-up. Let’s make our time here in Rome more enjoyable and less lonely!

Looking forward to hearing from you 😊

Hello everyone

I've been working for UNHCR for the past 6 years in one country (not my home country), doing refugee status determination mostly. I've been applying for international posts and have not been successful. I never feel like I'm an expert in this field given the nature of this work. I'm not even a lawyer. So I ended up being in this awkward situation where there is this 6-year work experience and yet I'm not particularly good at anything. For this reason, I'm considering completely changing my career, but I don't find the skills or experiences I have transferrable. Wondering if I could get any advice on what skills to obtain or if you could share any experience of changing careers from a position similar to mine. Thank you in advance.

I think I have read every single question on here regarding OECD recruitment, and from what I understand, it can take between 3-6 months to hear something back. However, I had my interview back in November 2024 and was told I would have a response in 4-6 weeks. I know my references have been contacted back in December and they all responded (with hopefully good recommendations)!

It's now week 6 and I've sent a follow up email a couple of days ago. I have yet to receive a response. I know that it is out of my control, but I can't help trying to find some clarity. From what I understand, it is the "successful" candidate who has their references contacted. If this is the case, why would it be taking so long? I've been told that the hiring process is quite bureaucratic, but could that really be the hold up? Or should I start losing hope?

Any insight will be deeply appreciated.. thanks everyone.

It seems there are aren't clear pathways to success and expertise in the social impact/ID sector but it's so compelling for people to try to join. Myself included. I worked in East Africa during my early career and now I work in corporate as an admin professional. But I have always *dreamed* of going back to ID due to the meaningful and real impact and contributions I can make but in *what* and *how* have always been questions I have racked my brain with trying to answer. I feel like there's so much competition, too much uncertainty, lack of clarity when it comes to the skills and education required, gatekeeping of information and networks, risky trade-offs that would jeopardize a stable life... And yet the calling is still there.

Something I grieve was not knowing that ID is an incredibly demanding field that requires technical expertise, in-depth industry knowledge, and a competitive network when I started my bachelors at 18. Had I known or at least taken it more seriously... Perhaps I would have carefully pursued certificates in M&E, RBM, management, etc... instead of more of the same social innovation and gender equality fluff.

And also, I grieve not then knowing what opportunities there were and how to plan my career. Other disciplines (law, med, business, so on...) are taught the potential careers and pathways to success. ID/IR students are taught a lot of theory and taught to feel like they're responsible for saving/changing the world but we're not given the tools and strategies for how to get started. It's why so many people hope a Masters will get them closer to what they expected but in reality a Masters is not likely create competitive advantage and will rack up more debt...

I am nearing 30 years old and I really mourn my failure to launch in ID with the opportunities I had and feel lost on where to go from here. I still *care about ID* but I feel further from being able to actually *achieve* that dream. I wonder how to move on. I would be interested to hear if others feel similar, how they've coped or how they've moved on. Thank you.

Hi all - wondering if there might be folks in a similar boat. I’ve been working in the international development field for 8 years, got my masters, and have worked my way up into a purely technical role at my dream organization, and travel atleast twice a year. But truthfully I’m mentally burned out. I love the content of the work and care deeply about it, but the mental load of doing technical work every day is really taking its toll and I’m always exhausted. I have been considering my options, and wondering what other folks experience has been? Did you go the project management route? Did you do consulting? Did you do something completely different/change fields? Appreciate any advice 💛

So, I'm a much much older professional. I'm wondering about the practicality of returning to the development sector. In a nutshell, I have a BA in poli sci/ women's studies and MES (envt studies with research focus on international political economy and the gender division of labour). I worked for an NGO in SEA under contract for 2 years before returning home for studies and to be a mom. I ended up working for an Indigenous led regional org for 7 years, 5 as senior manager. (This was definitely the peak of my career, spent leading negotiations and building an independent org.) The last 3.5 years have been with our government as a Sr. Advisor / Community Developer. I'm finding it really difficult thinking about leaving this super comfortable unionized, bureaucratic job but my work is so terribly uninspiring and unmotivating. My heart is in ID but I feel like I'm over the hill and that I'd be risking my pension and old age security for a world in flux and unpredictability. Just trying to get a beat on what might be out there as the world has changed over the past 20 years.

I applied to a position a few weeks ago, which had a deadline of 08/12. Is it normal that my application status is still “new”?

I know we’ve just had the Xmas break etc, so is likely that but it’s a temp position (13th month contract), which they’re looking to fill asap, so a bit worried they already started interviewing before the deadline for applications.

Any insights on the process would be appreciated :)

Hello,

I have been working in the private sector for four years and recently came across a temporary opportunity at the OECD that I am very interested in.

Could you provide some insight into the funding situation at the OECD? I’ve heard that many international organizations face financial constraints these days, which can lead to job insecurity for staff members. How challenging is it to transition into a permanent position after five years at the OECD?

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

As the title suggests, any insights on this or something similar would be very much welcomed, thanks!

Hi everyone! Here an accepted International development student at SCIENCES PO Paris looking for your important advice 🙏🙏

Is still worth to study International Development (talking about jobs opportunities and international organizations future with far right parties getting popular)

I got accepted into Sciences Po 2025 International Development Masters Program, I don’t know what decision take counting that in not from France neither European, and I’ll have to take a Loan that will maybe represent 1/3 of my next 10 years income if I return to my country. I’d really love to work in an international organization especially in a development bank or OECD in Paris, I’m not English native speaker (I’m from LATAM with a C1) I pretend to perfect my language through this 2 years and learn French (I have A2)

Background, Law Degree, interested in economic law and finance, worked in Development Secretariat and Central Bank Internship.

Should I accept this opportunity and get into a debt or look for an other specific program for this objectives, such as Economic Law or Economic Policy (kinda difficult for pre requisites in quantitative studies)

any tips on specific entities, positions or programs to apply to with an International Relations Degree preferably outside of the US but also looking in the US

Hi,

I've worked for grassroots NGO for 1 year (public health & youth) in SEA, 5 years with UNDP in Bangladesh managing projects/partnerships (stakeholder management) in sustainability/corporate responsibility and technology driven solutions (e-governance, ehealth, digital financial inclusion), and now working for a consultancy firm advising in strategy for aid projects (DFAT, Asia Foundation, etc).

Because the Innovation vertical in the UN is a burgeoning area I thought this is a good positioning, but I see increasingly agencies prefer people with private sector experience (a finance professional for innovative financing or an ex-MBB for non technical roles for WFP's Innovation roles) or very advance technical qualifications (i.e. software engineer - UNICEF GIGA project for example). IOM, UNDP, it seems everyone wants a data scientist.

My BA was in Journalism which I used to transition into communications and my MSc in Social Innovation. It was mostly about social enterprises and applying business-y approaches to development (how to develop a business canvas integrating ethnographic study as user research, offering differentiated pricing to include users with low income background, etc).

I don't want to go back to doing in partnerships/business development. I think I have solid skills in navigating this sphere of alternative/inclusive business/tech solutions in emerging market/development context but I feel like International Development in general is still a super saturated market ...

I don't necessarily need to work for the UN only, I'm open to other agencies or private sector companies.

So the options I see are

1. Work for MBB/Accenture/EY and the likes in Social impact/public sector vertical. I interviewed for BCG Kenya and Malaysia but they wanted a local candidate who didn't need visa sponsorship. I was pretty pissed because the whole process of initial screening, test, to interview was weeks and months long.
2. Obtain certifications in ux design or data analysis. I'd still have to supplement with real work experience I imagine. This also seems tricky as I don't really have much financial flexibility after spending it all on my Master's and doing short term contracts now.
3. Work for a start up for a few years. I did an entrepreneurship bootcamp with Antler but decided against being a founder as it was very high risk. I'd be open to joining a start-up, but not sure what my role would be. Chief of staff could work well for a generalist like me, but even then they seem to prefer someone with a technical background or a management consultancy background (MBB).
4. Work for a VC for a few years This would require stepping down to internship roles since I don't have finance background. But for entry roles visa appears to be an issue.I could go into a specialised "value addition" role related to social impact. This looks very limited in terms of quantity. Very few VCs are genuinely invested in ESG, they see it as more compliance measure and it's not revenue related enough for them.

For options 3. and 4. I don't know what my clear value proposition would be...

For any of these paths I would need visa qualification, I am 30 now so I could try some of the youth mobility or working holiday schemes to try out these paths in UK or Aus?

I'd really appreciate any comments or feedback, especially if any companies, social enterprises, projects comes to mind that are less stratified/smaller and open to alternative profiles.

Hi all - I have a writing assessment coming up as part of the interview process for a communications role with a Multilateral Development Bank. Has anyone here been through something similar? What kind of assessments were you given, and do you have any tips or insights to share?

Appreciate your comments...

I have finished one contract at the World Bank. But it didn't work very well between me and my TTL. How can I find a new contract?

What questions does IMF HireVue usually ask? Specifically, the Legal Department, if anyone knows.

Hi I'm from South Asia , recently completed masters in Development Policy from South Korea,I have 2+ years of experience.I'm looking for jobs in international Development Organizations/Non Profit abroad.

I have seen many job openings on LinkedIn but I never get a response after applying.Anyone who could guide me how should I go about my research or if anyone has any resources Im happy to check and really appreciate any help .

Please reach out to me if you have any insights😊

I am working on a motivation letter for a Public Policy MA programme, and I want to make sure that my path makes perfect sense, so I wanted to ask for advice on this.

I am interested in taking my career in the direction of policy strategy work focusing on gender equality/social justice in context of climate policies and sustainable development (in the civil society sector).

I have a bachelor in International Relations, two internships in Kenya and the Netherlands, and almost two years of work experience in the civil society sector in gender equality/youth activism/research project management in my home country.

Does this make sense? Do you think it is specific enough to show that my path so far and my future goals make sense in line with the MA in Public Policy?

I'm not sure if this question entirely fits with this sub, apologies if it's not suited.

Hello, there's a job at a large INGO that I'm very interested in that keeps getting reposted, but it says it's only for local candidates in that country. I would be an international staff. I've noticed, however, that the same INGO has international/expat staff for jobs that seem like they'd only be for nationals. Should I still apply for the job, or does it seem unprofessional? I am curious to hear from anyone in HR regarding this.

Update：Thanks for all the suggestions! I have more understanding of UN and international organizations. Currently, I am still looking for the opportunities to get into the UN system, but I faces some challenges too. Hope to get some suggestions!!!

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My aim: I hope to stay in the US, in stead of returning back to my home country. After conducting research, I found working with UN aligns best with my goal and background.

My background: I completed my bachelor's, Master's and (soon)Ph.D in history and international relations, at the university in East Asia. During a year research in the US, I discovered that I thrive in the environment-both mental and physically. Due to family issue and the challenges of domestic job market, I strongly prefer to build my future in the US.

Why UNInternational Organizations: My research focus on multiculturalism, cross-boarder issues and international relations, which align closely with the mission and work of the UN. Additionally, Working for the UN can offer visa options and the opportunity to build up my professional network. Based on the suggestions i've received, I understand that consultant or intern could be an entry point into UN system.

However, I am concerned about few challenges:

1. Low-salary and High-living cost: consultant roles often offer modest salaries and living in high-cost place, like NYC or DC, can be financially challenges.

2. Short-term contracts: Many consultancy contracts are only tor few months. Without extension or renewal, it will be difficult to save monry or make long-term plans.

3. Financial safety net: I can't rely on my family support. So if i lost job, I might face significant finance hardship.

My Questions: 1. Contracts and Career Progression: Are consultancy contracts often extended? Do you know of cases where people transitioned from internships or consultancy roles into long-term positions at the UN? What should I focus on to increase my chances? 2. Financial Feasibility: Is the salary for consultants as low as people say? Are there legal ways to earn extra income, such as part-time jobs? 3. General Advice: What steps or strategies would you recommend for someone like me to successfully enter the UN system?

Hi! I am a graduating communications major (BA) from the top university in the Philippines with a 3.9 GPA, but I am planning to master's in International Development in Europe. I wanted to set my expectations as early as now if there is a chance that I can get into universities in Europe in the ID program with an unrelated undergraduate degree. I wrote my thesis using quantitative methods and I did take some social science courses like polisci and global studies throughout my stay at uni, though I feel uneased that my undergraduate program is not a strong suit for an MA in ID. However, I do have internship experiences from NGOs that are catered toward development and the youth sector.

Do you think I can apply to Int Development programs and get accepted? Or would it be better if I work first before applying? In the future, I still plan to work in IGOs or NGOs and I thought an MA in ID would help me with that. I would like to hear some insights from those whose undergrad is unrelated to ID but are taking an MA in ID now or are currently working in the field. Would really appreciate some advice. Thank you! :))

Preface: sorry if this doesn't belong here, I'll remove it.

Hi everyone, I am not in humanitarian aid or development, but I'm a university student that will be starting a 4-month internship at a remote Native settlement in January. My formal role will be more related to the business dealings at the settlement, but I will also have informal responsibilities such as helping out elders with work, as well as leeway to take initiative and create my own tasks.

The settlement deals with problems such as higher than average crime rate, alcoholism, abuse, etc that has been passed down for generations and I want to do what I can to improve the town for the current generation and the next. This is my first work experience and I am hoping to receive any advice about how I can best support this village of around 700 people.

My current ideas involve sourcing sporting equipment for the kids from charities, trying to record the history and teachings of elders (though I am unsure how to do this as of now), teaching some supplemental courses at the school on topics they might not have (I'm guessing they may not have computer science courses, and I have experience in the subject), as well as helping people out with other things (reviewing resumes, helping kids with college applications, etc).

I would welcome any advice at all about more ways I can help out at the settlement, or ways I can change or implement my current plants. TIA!